7 bodies recovered as floods ravage KwaZulu-Natal

7 bodies recovered as floods ravage KwaZulu-Natal! Rescue teams in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered the bodies of seven people who were swept away by floodwaters following the heavy rains that have battered parts of the province. The devastating floods have left many communities in crisis, with search and rescue efforts continuing in hopes of finding more survivors.

Bodies Recovered in Durban and Surrounding Areas

The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance Department confirmed that five bodies were recovered after washing up in a canal in Lamontville, located south of Durban. Additionally, the bodies of two women were found ashore at separate locations in Durban.

Authorities have identified the victims as two adult males, two females, and three children. Their identities have not yet been publicly disclosed as officials work to notify their families.

Weather Warnings Issued as Heavy Rains Persist

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level two weather warning for the province, indicating the possibility of further rainfall throughout the day.

Large portions of the province have already experienced severe flooding, leading to property damage, infrastructure destruction, and the displacement of families.

Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to locate missing persons and assist those trapped in flood-affected areas. However, authorities fear the death toll may rise as emergency responders continue their operations.

Government Response and Disaster Management Efforts

The KZN Cooperative Governance Department’s spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, confirmed that mop-up operations will begin on Wednesday afternoon as officials assess the full extent of the damage.

“The MEC will this afternoon visit affected areas where he will lead mop-up operations. Currently, the province has got a level two weather warning which has been issued by the weather service for areas that are along the coast,” said Mzila.

Authorities are also closely monitoring reports of rising floodwaters in the Ugu District and the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, located along KZN’s south coast.

“Ugu Disaster Management and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality fire and rescue services have been sent out to conduct evacuations and provide assistance to affected communities,” Mzila added.

Residents Urged to Exercise Caution

With ongoing rainfall and the risk of further flooding, residents in affected areas have been urged to take extreme caution.

Officials have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas, and to seek higher ground if they find themselves in danger.

Emergency services remain on high alert, with teams stationed across the province to respond to distress calls.

Extent of the Damage Still Unknown

As the rain continues to fall, authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the destruction caused by the floods. Infrastructure, including roads, homes, and public facilities, has sustained significant damage in several municipalities.

Communities affected by the flooding are now calling for urgent assistance, as many families have lost their homes and belongings in the disaster.

Similar Weather Events in KZN’s Recent History

KwaZulu-Natal has experienced several severe flooding events in recent years. In April 2022, floods left more than 400 people dead and caused billions of rands in damage. The province is still recovering from that catastrophe, and these new floods have heightened concerns over climate-related disasters in the region.

Many experts believe that climate change is playing a role in the increasing frequency and severity of these extreme weather events, putting more pressure on the government to improve disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Emergency Contacts and Assistance

Authorities have urged residents to report missing persons, rising water levels, or emergency situations to the following disaster response hotlines:

• Emergency Services (10177)
• SAPD Emergency Line (112)
• Disaster Management Hotline for local municipalities

Conclusion

As the rainfall persists and officials continue recovery operations, KwaZulu-Natal residents remain on high alert for further flood-related emergencies.

The provincial government has pledged to provide ongoing support to affected communities, but the road to recovery will be long. Mop-up operations, rebuilding efforts, and aid distribution will be critical in the coming days as KZN deals with yet another devastating flood disaster.